Minorities and Marginalized Affairs Unit Leads Development of National Inclusion Framework

The government has taken a major step toward mainstreaming ethnic minorities and marginalized communities, with the development of a national policy framework now underway. Hon. Josphat Lowoi, the Secretary of the Minorities and Marginalized Affairs Unit (MMAU) at the Executive Office of the President, recently confirmed that the policy aims to address long-standing exclusion and affirm the constitutional rights of overlooked populations. A new draft policy led by the Minorities and Marginalized Affairs Unit seeks to address historical exclusion and legal gaps affecting Kenya’s minority groups. The move follows the creation of the MMAU through Executive Order No. 2 of 2023 by President Dr. William Ruto, and its reaffirmation and elevation under Executive Order No. 1 of 2025, which placed the unit more centrally within the government’s inclusion and equity framework. This shift reflects the administration’s strengthened resolve to promote equity and inclusion as part of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). “We are committed to identifying, safeguarding, and ensuring the full inclusion of Indigenous and marginalized communities across Kenya. This draft policy will serve as a guiding framework for legal protection, representation, and access to services, as promised in our Constitution.” said Hon. Lowoi. The draft policy is being developed by a multi-agency Technical Working Committee chaired by Mr. Kisabit Kiprop, a Legal Adviser at the Presidential Economic Transformation Secretariat (PETS). The committee brings together key government bodies, including the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA), the Office of the Attorney-General, the Kenya Law Reform Commission, and representatives from the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary. Hon. Lowoi praised the collaborative effort, noting that "this is not just a departmental mandate — it is a national responsibility that calls for unified, cross-sector action." Among the core priorities of the policy are: Mapping and recognizing all Indigenous and marginalized communities Developing legal frameworks to ensure protection of their rights Advocating for affirmative action in public service, education, and employment Ensuring representation in governance and public institutions A key concern raised during community consultations is the persistent difficulty in acquiring identification documents, especially in the North Eastern region. Hon. Lowoi pointed out the urgency of addressing such foundational barriers, stating that “without recognition, rights cannot be realized.” In addition, the MMAU has applauded recent high-profile appointments, including the nomination of Mr. Erastus Edung Ethekon from Turkana as the new IEBC Chairperson, as signs that the government is walking the talk on inclusion. As the technical team continues its work, Hon. Lowoi reiterated the need for continued engagement with civil society, policymakers, and affected communities. “We invite all stakeholders to walk this journey with us. The voices of Kenya’s minorities must be reflected in the laws and policies that shape our future.” The draft policy, once finalized and adopted, would become Kenya’s first formal legal instrument dedicated specifically to the protection and promotion of ethnic minorities and marginalized communities, filling a long-standing gap despite constitutional provisions under Articles 10, 27, 56, 100, 204, and 260.